Local surfers prepare for Bells wildcard chance

MORE than 30 of the state’s top surfers will battle it out for the ultimate prize next week: a spot in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

Competitors from all over the state will compete in the Rip Curl Pro Trials event on Tuesday, April 15, with one lucky male and female gaining a spot into the main draw.

Allocations for the event are based on WSL Challenger Series rankings, Pro Junior, Victorian Open Series, boardriding clubs, Indigenous champions and junior rankings.

Surfing Victoria has also granted wildcards to several surfers.

Among the top contenders in the women’s draw are Bella Wilson, Angela Ball and Juc Boardriders invitee Carly Shanahan.

The trio are fired up for their chance to make history.

 

“I feel super lucky to be able to compete against all the women from across the state,” Ball said.

“It’s a really young field this year too, so it’ll be great to see everyone give it a crack.”

“I really hope one of us local ladies can get a spot,” Wilson added.

Shanahan said competing at Bells would be a dream come true.

“I only moved down here when I was 18, but this community and living down here has shaped me into the surfer I am now.

“Getting a spot would be so sick!”

The men’s field is also filled with talent, and features the likes of previous event winners and Jan Juc locals Tully Wylie, Xavier Huxtable and Cahill Bell-Warren.

Action at Bells Beach will begin from 7.30am.

For more information and heat draws, head to surfingvic.com/live